Below Rock Bottom
Jan 14th 2010, 9:20 pm
#1
TeamEmbo
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2007
Location: Rangiora
Posts: 1,557
Below Rock Bottom
I always thought reaching "rock bottom" was the lowest point. Not so. I know this as I am currently sitting in the place that is below the rock. And its not pleasant.
Contradictory as it may sound, I love New Zealand although it has proved to be big money sucking leach. I scrimp, I juggle, I do all the cost-cutting things I can to try and make ends meet and I usually try and keep a fairly positive outlook, count my blessings, tell myself it can only get better and am grateful for what we do have. But today Positive has taken a well earned vacation and has left Reality and Hardship for me to babysit. They are both a real pain, hard work during the day, refuse to sleep at night and, as it turns out, they cry a lot. They play mean games and are generally not nice to be around.
Today Reality and Hardship decided we should play the money game. They won and as a result I'm over my overdraft limit and I've nothing to buy food with. The kids are on school holidays and I've no money for petrol to take them anywhere, no money to even get stuff for a basic picnic so's we could just walk or bike somewhere and the pantry is looking fairly bare. I wish Positive was here - she would say, well look on the bright side - at least you can give the shelves a good clean now they're empty, eh?
I've just come off the phone to the pension company. My last chance saloon. Apparently it's where Hardship hangs out a lot. They can send me a form so I can claim Hardship resides with me and possibly release some of my money - for a 55% penalty (not having 5 tax years clear of UK).
Not the best start to the new year. I thought after having a diabolical 2009 things could only get better. However, as I type I'm nursing Hope who is on her deathbed and I've had no word from Positive to say when she might be returning.
Contradictory as it may sound, I love New Zealand although it has proved to be big money sucking leach. I scrimp, I juggle, I do all the cost-cutting things I can to try and make ends meet and I usually try and keep a fairly positive outlook, count my blessings, tell myself it can only get better and am grateful for what we do have. But today Positive has taken a well earned vacation and has left Reality and Hardship for me to babysit. They are both a real pain, hard work during the day, refuse to sleep at night and, as it turns out, they cry a lot. They play mean games and are generally not nice to be around.
Today Reality and Hardship decided we should play the money game. They won and as a result I'm over my overdraft limit and I've nothing to buy food with. The kids are on school holidays and I've no money for petrol to take them anywhere, no money to even get stuff for a basic picnic so's we could just walk or bike somewhere and the pantry is looking fairly bare. I wish Positive was here - she would say, well look on the bright side - at least you can give the shelves a good clean now they're empty, eh?
I've just come off the phone to the pension company. My last chance saloon. Apparently it's where Hardship hangs out a lot. They can send me a form so I can claim Hardship resides with me and possibly release some of my money - for a 55% penalty (not having 5 tax years clear of UK).
Not the best start to the new year. I thought after having a diabolical 2009 things could only get better. However, as I type I'm nursing Hope who is on her deathbed and I've had no word from Positive to say when she might be returning.
Jan 14th 2010, 9:24 pm
#2
Forum Regular
Joined: Mar 2009
Location: west yorkshire
Posts: 222
Re: Below Rock Bottom
I always thought reaching "rock bottom" was the lowest point. Not so. I know this as I am currently sitting in the place that is below the rock. And its not pleasant.
Contradictory as it may sound, I love New Zealand although it has proved to be big money sucking leach. I scrimp, I juggle, I do all the cost-cutting things I can to try and make ends meet and I usually try and keep a fairly positive outlook, count my blessings, tell myself it can only get better and am grateful for what we do have. But today Positive has taken a well earned vacation and has left Reality and Hardship for me to babysit. They are both a real pain, hard work during the day, refuse to sleep at night and, as it turns out, they cry a lot. They play mean games and are generally not nice to be around.
Today Reality and Hardship decided we should play the money game. They won and as a result I'm over my overdraft limit and I've nothing to buy food with. The kids are on school holidays and I've no money for petrol to take them anywhere, no money to even get stuff for a basic picnic so's we could just walk or bike somewhere and the pantry is looking fairly bare. I wish Positive was here - she would say, well look on the bright side - at least you can give the shelves a good clean now they're empty, eh?
I've just come off the phone to the pension company. My last chance saloon. Apparently it's where Hardship hangs out a lot. They can send me a form so I can claim Hardship resides with me and possibly release some of my money - for a 55% penalty (not having 5 tax years clear of UK).
Not the best start to the new year. I thought after having a diabolical 2009 things could only get better. However, as I type I'm nursing Hope who is on her deathbed and I've had no word from Positive to say when she might be returning.
Contradictory as it may sound, I love New Zealand although it has proved to be big money sucking leach. I scrimp, I juggle, I do all the cost-cutting things I can to try and make ends meet and I usually try and keep a fairly positive outlook, count my blessings, tell myself it can only get better and am grateful for what we do have. But today Positive has taken a well earned vacation and has left Reality and Hardship for me to babysit. They are both a real pain, hard work during the day, refuse to sleep at night and, as it turns out, they cry a lot. They play mean games and are generally not nice to be around.
Today Reality and Hardship decided we should play the money game. They won and as a result I'm over my overdraft limit and I've nothing to buy food with. The kids are on school holidays and I've no money for petrol to take them anywhere, no money to even get stuff for a basic picnic so's we could just walk or bike somewhere and the pantry is looking fairly bare. I wish Positive was here - she would say, well look on the bright side - at least you can give the shelves a good clean now they're empty, eh?
I've just come off the phone to the pension company. My last chance saloon. Apparently it's where Hardship hangs out a lot. They can send me a form so I can claim Hardship resides with me and possibly release some of my money - for a 55% penalty (not having 5 tax years clear of UK).
Not the best start to the new year. I thought after having a diabolical 2009 things could only get better. However, as I type I'm nursing Hope who is on her deathbed and I've had no word from Positive to say when she might be returning.
Jan 14th 2010, 9:36 pm
#3
Joined: May 2009
Location: Welly UK to Welly NZ to Welly UK
Posts: 2,227
Re: Below Rock Bottom
I always thought reaching "rock bottom" was the lowest point. Not so. I know this as I am currently sitting in the place that is below the rock. And its not pleasant.
Contradictory as it may sound, I love New Zealand although it has proved to be big money sucking leach. I scrimp, I juggle, I do all the cost-cutting things I can to try and make ends meet and I usually try and keep a fairly positive outlook, count my blessings, tell myself it can only get better and am grateful for what we do have. But today Positive has taken a well earned vacation and has left Reality and Hardship for me to babysit. They are both a real pain, hard work during the day, refuse to sleep at night and, as it turns out, they cry a lot. They play mean games and are generally not nice to be around.
Today Reality and Hardship decided we should play the money game. They won and as a result I'm over my overdraft limit and I've nothing to buy food with. The kids are on school holidays and I've no money for petrol to take them anywhere, no money to even get stuff for a basic picnic so's we could just walk or bike somewhere and the pantry is looking fairly bare. I wish Positive was here - she would say, well look on the bright side - at least you can give the shelves a good clean now they're empty, eh?
I've just come off the phone to the pension company. My last chance saloon. Apparently it's where Hardship hangs out a lot. They can send me a form so I can claim Hardship resides with me and possibly release some of my money - for a 55% penalty (not having 5 tax years clear of UK).
Not the best start to the new year. I thought after having a diabolical 2009 things could only get better. However, as I type I'm nursing Hope who is on her deathbed and I've had no word from Positive to say when she might be returning.
Contradictory as it may sound, I love New Zealand although it has proved to be big money sucking leach. I scrimp, I juggle, I do all the cost-cutting things I can to try and make ends meet and I usually try and keep a fairly positive outlook, count my blessings, tell myself it can only get better and am grateful for what we do have. But today Positive has taken a well earned vacation and has left Reality and Hardship for me to babysit. They are both a real pain, hard work during the day, refuse to sleep at night and, as it turns out, they cry a lot. They play mean games and are generally not nice to be around.
Today Reality and Hardship decided we should play the money game. They won and as a result I'm over my overdraft limit and I've nothing to buy food with. The kids are on school holidays and I've no money for petrol to take them anywhere, no money to even get stuff for a basic picnic so's we could just walk or bike somewhere and the pantry is looking fairly bare. I wish Positive was here - she would say, well look on the bright side - at least you can give the shelves a good clean now they're empty, eh?
I've just come off the phone to the pension company. My last chance saloon. Apparently it's where Hardship hangs out a lot. They can send me a form so I can claim Hardship resides with me and possibly release some of my money - for a 55% penalty (not having 5 tax years clear of UK).
Not the best start to the new year. I thought after having a diabolical 2009 things could only get better. However, as I type I'm nursing Hope who is on her deathbed and I've had no word from Positive to say when she might be returning.
.....wish we were in a position to pop around & offer some practical help until Positive returns.I really hope she comes back soon and kicks Hardship & Reality into touch ....
B x
Jan 14th 2010, 10:53 pm
#4
NZ ways is best ways :0)
Joined: Oct 2006
Location: Christchurch, NZ
Posts: 1,109
Re: Below Rock Bottom
Great post! Shame about cruddy content tho PM'd ya.
PM'd ya.
Jan 14th 2010, 11:09 pm
#5
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Mar 2009
Location: Christchurch
Posts: 2,077
Re: Below Rock Bottom
txted ya
neil
neil
Jan 15th 2010, 1:29 am
#6
TeamEmbo
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2007
Location: Rangiora
Posts: 1,557
Re: Below Rock Bottom
Thank you all very much for the kind words and PMs. Greatly appreciated.
Jan 15th 2010, 4:40 am
#7
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,298
Re: Below Rock Bottom
Dear TE, so sorry to hear of your problems. Having money issues are awful aye? When Hanover went tits up we well well in the brown stuff. I wish there was something I could do for you...is there??? You may have noticed I have been 'with issues' of late (of a different kind) so I have a little understanding of being low. I soooooooo hope there is a turn in your fortune very, very soon. Warm regards, Dom.
Jan 15th 2010, 5:02 am
#8
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jul 2007
Location: bottom of the world
Posts: 4,533
Re: Below Rock Bottom
I hear ya loud and clear. A few months ago i was walking in your shoes.
The immediate future with xmas looming didnt look nice.
However after hope and positive walked out of your front door they came knocking at mine.
They worked very hard and have done a great job while they have been staying with us.
Bright future came to visit last week and now Hope and Positive are feeling a little left out
and i really think they are ready to go home.
We will really miss them but they tell me they cant stay as they have a more important
job to do elsewhere and bright future is here now to keep us company.
They will be leaving in the morning with a map and a packed lunch.
I hope they find their back to your place soon but as you know they only have little legs and they dont walk very fast.
Please let us know when they arrive as some of us worry about them and the people they work with.
Pip pip, chin up, stiff upper lip and all that, I only hope i could offer you more.
The immediate future with xmas looming didnt look nice.
However after hope and positive walked out of your front door they came knocking at mine.
They worked very hard and have done a great job while they have been staying with us.
Bright future came to visit last week and now Hope and Positive are feeling a little left out
and i really think they are ready to go home.
We will really miss them but they tell me they cant stay as they have a more important
job to do elsewhere and bright future is here now to keep us company.
They will be leaving in the morning with a map and a packed lunch.
I hope they find their back to your place soon but as you know they only have little legs and they dont walk very fast.
Please let us know when they arrive as some of us worry about them and the people they work with.
Pip pip, chin up, stiff upper lip and all that, I only hope i could offer you more.
Jan 15th 2010, 7:03 am
#9
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jan 2007
Location: Hawkes Bay
Posts: 1,303
Re: Below Rock Bottom
Sorry to hear how you are feeling, if it's any consolation you are not alone.
We've been struggling along on one wage (OH's) since June & it has been very tough. OH is on 2 weeks holiday at the moment, but we can't afford to go anywhere & we find it so frustrating!!!
I've just managed to get a bit of seasonal work which will last until June, but if the elusive full time job for me doesn't turn up by then, we know the rest of the year will be as we are now
The reality of it for us is if it doesn't improve in the next couple of years we will seriously be looking at going back to the UK, as we know we could both walk into jobs there.
Hope things improve for you soon
We've been struggling along on one wage (OH's) since June & it has been very tough. OH is on 2 weeks holiday at the moment, but we can't afford to go anywhere & we find it so frustrating!!!
I've just managed to get a bit of seasonal work which will last until June, but if the elusive full time job for me doesn't turn up by then, we know the rest of the year will be as we are now
The reality of it for us is if it doesn't improve in the next couple of years we will seriously be looking at going back to the UK, as we know we could both walk into jobs there. Hope things improve for you soon
Jan 15th 2010, 7:41 am
#10
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2009
Location: Tamaki Makau Rau
Posts: 778
Re: Below Rock Bottom
OMG...it's so hard when it gets like that, and it looks like there's no way up..especially when the bottom drops out of your bottom and you think...jeez how did it get worse.
But reach out...as you are doing. Don't be ashamed to let people know that things are hard cos people will help. Maybe not financially but with a hug, or taking the kids of your hands..or dinner.
So put it out there and know that you are not alone...you will not starve..and your kids will be OK.
Go to winz, go to the sallies...see a budget advisor and have faith..because you are ok, you will be ok and things will get better
But reach out...as you are doing. Don't be ashamed to let people know that things are hard cos people will help. Maybe not financially but with a hug, or taking the kids of your hands..or dinner.
So put it out there and know that you are not alone...you will not starve..and your kids will be OK.
Go to winz, go to the sallies...see a budget advisor and have faith..because you are ok, you will be ok and things will get better
Jan 15th 2010, 7:48 am
#11
Account Closed
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 569
Re: Below Rock Bottom
blimey... this thread should have come with a warning for overly hormonal, heavily pregnant Stoofs! 
now i've managed to regain (a little) control, just wanted to say 'sorry you're having a cack time' - must be bad for one who is normally so positive to feel so low... really hope things improve for you soon! And as for the rest of you - what a lovely bunch... SNIFF....
now i've managed to regain (a little) control, just wanted to say 'sorry you're having a cack time' - must be bad for one who is normally so positive to feel so low... really hope things improve for you soon! And as for the rest of you - what a lovely bunch... SNIFF....
Jan 15th 2010, 8:21 am
#12
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jun 2005
Location: In a large village called Auckland
Posts: 5,249
Re: Below Rock Bottom
I hope things pick up for you real soon TeamEmbo, it's very hard to be positive when you can't see a way forward or improvement on the horizon. Good luck with the pension and perhaps it would be worth your while having a chat with WINZ to make sure you're not missing something that you may be entitled to.
Have you anything you could sell on Trademe in the meantime to tide you over?
Have you anything you could sell on Trademe in the meantime to tide you over?
Jan 15th 2010, 10:52 am
#13
Forum Regular
Joined: Mar 2009
Location: west yorkshire
Posts: 222
Re: Below Rock Bottom
Hi TE, hope you are feeling abit brighter today!! 
Jan 15th 2010, 1:13 pm
#14
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jan 2008
Location: Pakaraka
Posts: 3,264
Re: Below Rock Bottom
Can't do anything to help you but am sending big ((hugs)) know wexactly where you are at the moment
but am sending big ((hugs)) know wexactly where you are at the moment
Jan 15th 2010, 1:39 pm
#15
...
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,165
Re: Below Rock Bottom
I always thought reaching "rock bottom" was the lowest point. Not so. I know this as I am currently sitting in the place that is below the rock. And its not pleasant.
Contradictory as it may sound, I love New Zealand although it has proved to be big money sucking leach. I scrimp, I juggle, I do all the cost-cutting things I can to try and make ends meet and I usually try and keep a fairly positive outlook, count my blessings, tell myself it can only get better and am grateful for what we do have. But today Positive has taken a well earned vacation and has left Reality and Hardship for me to babysit. They are both a real pain, hard work during the day, refuse to sleep at night and, as it turns out, they cry a lot. They play mean games and are generally not nice to be around.
Today Reality and Hardship decided we should play the money game. They won and as a result I'm over my overdraft limit and I've nothing to buy food with. The kids are on school holidays and I've no money for petrol to take them anywhere, no money to even get stuff for a basic picnic so's we could just walk or bike somewhere and the pantry is looking fairly bare. I wish Positive was here - she would say, well look on the bright side - at least you can give the shelves a good clean now they're empty, eh?
I've just come off the phone to the pension company. My last chance saloon. Apparently it's where Hardship hangs out a lot. They can send me a form so I can claim Hardship resides with me and possibly release some of my money - for a 55% penalty (not having 5 tax years clear of UK).
Not the best start to the new year. I thought after having a diabolical 2009 things could only get better. However, as I type I'm nursing Hope who is on her deathbed and I've had no word from Positive to say when she might be returning.
Contradictory as it may sound, I love New Zealand although it has proved to be big money sucking leach. I scrimp, I juggle, I do all the cost-cutting things I can to try and make ends meet and I usually try and keep a fairly positive outlook, count my blessings, tell myself it can only get better and am grateful for what we do have. But today Positive has taken a well earned vacation and has left Reality and Hardship for me to babysit. They are both a real pain, hard work during the day, refuse to sleep at night and, as it turns out, they cry a lot. They play mean games and are generally not nice to be around.
Today Reality and Hardship decided we should play the money game. They won and as a result I'm over my overdraft limit and I've nothing to buy food with. The kids are on school holidays and I've no money for petrol to take them anywhere, no money to even get stuff for a basic picnic so's we could just walk or bike somewhere and the pantry is looking fairly bare. I wish Positive was here - she would say, well look on the bright side - at least you can give the shelves a good clean now they're empty, eh?
I've just come off the phone to the pension company. My last chance saloon. Apparently it's where Hardship hangs out a lot. They can send me a form so I can claim Hardship resides with me and possibly release some of my money - for a 55% penalty (not having 5 tax years clear of UK).
Not the best start to the new year. I thought after having a diabolical 2009 things could only get better. However, as I type I'm nursing Hope who is on her deathbed and I've had no word from Positive to say when she might be returning.
There is a saying " If life knocks you down, always try and land on your back, if you can look up, you can get up !!! "
Last edited by pgtips; Jan 15th 2010 at 1:53 pm.